Electrically-operated water heater



Aug. 27, 1929. R. L. SHRINER ELEGTRICALLY OPERATED WATER HEATER FiledJan. 6, 1927 2 Sheets-Shoot ATTORNEY 7, 1929. R. L. SHRINER 1,725,832

ELECTRICALLY OPERATED WATER HEATER Filed Jan. 6, 1927 2 Sheets-Shut 2ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 27, 1 929.

UNITED STATES rarsrrr OFFICE.

ROBERT L. SHRINER, OF WE I EHAWKEN, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNEASSIGN- MENTS, TO WILLIAM PASTERNACK, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

ELECTRICALLY-OPERATED WATER HEATER.

Application filed January 6, 1927. Serial No. 159,251.

This invention relates to heat exchanging devices and deals morespecifically with an automatic water heater for household and otheruses.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved electricallyoperated water heater which is entirely automatic in its control.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved waterheater in which there is an efficient circulation of water.

Further, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved heaterin which there is an eflicient heat transfer at a minimum of 1 heatlosses.

It is a furtherobjectof this invention to provide a water heatercomprising few and simple parts which shall be relatively cheap tomanufacture, and in which certain of the vital elements may be replacedwith a minimum of effort.

Still another object of this invention is to generally improve thestructure of water heaters of the character described and to render thesame practical and eflicient in operation'to a high degree.

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in parthereinafter pointed.

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The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction,combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts which will beexemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which thescope of ap- I? plication will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawing, in which is shown one of the variouspossible illustrative embodiments of this invention,

- Fig. l is a cross-sectional view of an electrically operated waterheater'embodying the invention. a... Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken online 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Figs. 3 and 4 are elevational and plan views respectively, of theelectric heater element.

Figs. 5 and 6 are fragmentary elevational and plan views, respectively,of a modified form of the invention.

Referring in detail to the drawing, the water heater 10 embodying theinvention is seen to comprise a .c lindrica-l outer covering 11 formedof any suitable sheet material provided with the closure head 12 forminthe joint 13 with the covering and which is seprovided with a topclosure, or' head 16 which is oined to the casing by means of the lapjoint 17, which is either riveted or welded or otherwise suitablysecured in water tight relation. A circular base plate 18 is mounted ata substantial distance from the bottom of the casing for forming thewater receiver or reservoir A. Said plate 18 has a peripheral out-turnededge portion 18 which lies in close contact with the casing 15, and maybe riveted thereto to provide a watertight joint. 20 indicates an inletpipe which admits the cold water to the receiver A from a suitable watersupply source (not shown) and 21 indicates an outlet pipe through whichthe hot water is drawn from the receiver. The pipes 20 and 21 areconnected to the head 16 by means of flanged fittings 16 which arejoined to the head 16 by welding, rivets, bolts or the like. I

Mounted to extend axially with respect to r the casing 15 is a secondcasing 22 provided with a helical ridge 22 which extends substantiallythe entire length of the exterior side thereof. Said casing 22 forms achamber C and is secured to the plate 18 in water tight relation, bymeans of the outwardlyv head plate 26 which has the downwardly turnedinner portion 26 which may have a metallic connection as by solderingwith one or more pipes 28 passing through said plate 26. Pipes 29 whichcommunicate with the reservoir A through the plate 18 are detachablyconnected by meansof the union couplings 23. Each of the pipes 29connects with a pipe 80 which extends horizontally outward from thecasing 15 where it is provided with a faucet 11 for draining thereservoir A. The

pipe or ipes 28 are provided at their lower ends wit a manifold 27 andconnect with the pipe 30 by a T-fitting 32, the upper end or ,ends ofsaid pipe or pipes-28 being open and in communication with receiver A.Each pipe 28 is preferably formed of tubing having an interior helicalridge 28 as shown in 5 Fig. 1. Mounted above the upper'ends of the pipes28 is the bafiie plate 34 which is carried by the rod 36, suitablysecured in any well known manner between thepipes 28. Referring to Fig.3, the electric heater member will be seen to comprise the upper headplate 37 and the lower plate 38, both of which may becircularin shapeand are held in fixed relation with respect to each other i by the staybars 39 and the nuts 40. An intermediate circular insulating plate 41 ismounted in spaced relationto the plate 38 as shown and is held ,inposition by the stay bars'39 and the huts 42. Mounted between the plates38 and 41, at'equal intervals in concentric relation are four heatinsulating tubes 43. Passing through the plate 38 and electricallyinsulated to extend into the tubes 43 are the screws 44, each of whichcarries the head 45, the latter bein adapted to be ad justedlongitudinally of 51c tubes 43 by means .of the screws 44. The spiralsprings 46 rest upon each of the heads 45 and contacts with heads 47formed on plungers 48, the latter being adapted to slide through theinsulating plate 41. The upper ends of the plungers 48 are formed withthe four 'cup-shaped'por tions 49 and are adapted to support the lowerend of resistance elements 51.- Mounted on the plate 37 opposite each-ofthe cup portions 49 are the four cups 50. Each of the latter is adaptedto receive the upper ends of one of the resistance elements 51. Theresistance elements are preferably made in the form commonly known inthe art as Glow Bar but other resistance elements may be employedwithout departing from the spirit of this invention. These elements maybe four in number and may be connected in series circuit by means of thejumpers 51, 51".

5 The .heater member forms a unit as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 which ispositioned interiorly of the casing 22 and is removably held in place bythe supporting head 24. Said head is detachably secured against thecasing flange formed with a passage'through which the electricheaterunit extends into the chamber C, a's'shown in Fig. 1. The plates37, 38 and 41 of the heating unit are provided with centrally alignedopenings 37, 38 and 41, respectively, which form an-axial passage forreceiving a pipe or the pipes 28 so that the resistance elements aredisposed between said pipe or pipes 28 and the casing 22, as shown in'Fig. 1,. Mounted'within a lower compartment B under the reservoir A isthe block 52 which connects the resistance elements of the heater unitto the current supply source (not shown) through the leads 53. 54indicates a conven- 22 and the plate 18 by the bolts 25 and is -thethermostats well known in the art may be used. The pipe 55 mountedbetween the covering 11 and casing 15 serves to carry the leads whichconnect the heating system to the source of power.

The operation of the apparatus is as follows; Goldwater enters throughthe pipe 20 and fills the reservoir A. Water also fills the pipes 29, 30and 28. When the temperature of water in the reservoir A falls to acertain predetermined point, the thermostat starts the operation of theheating vunit by closing the electrical circuit. Current flows from oneof the leads 53 to one of the screws 44 to the connected head 45 to thespring '46 to the head 47 through the plunger 48 to the cup 49 andthence through the resistance element. By means of the jumpers 51* aseries path for the current is made through other resistance elements 51and we thus have the current flowing from one of the leads through theresistance elements successively and. returned to the other one of theleads 53. Thusfi9 it will be seen that the (line voltage is im= pressedon the resistance elements and they are heated ;to a high temperature. Ihave found that with the particular material used, namely, Glow Bar, theresistance elements may be raised to a temperature as high as 2000 F; atwhich temperature they are also transferred to the casing 22 and heatsthe water in the reservoir A.

The circulation of the water results from the well known phenomenon thatthe density of water is greater at the lower than at the highertemperatures. The circulation there; fore follows the following course:a

The cold water sinks in the pipes 29' and-30 and thereby passes throughmanifold 27 tothe lower mouths of the heater pipe or pipes 28 where thetemperature of the water is raised. This, of course, causes the hotwater'to rise. and consequently the cooler water follows behind, whereit in turn is raised in temperature-until it passes out of the upperends of the pipe or pipes 28 into the reservoir A. In order tofacilitate and render more efficient the heat transfer between the waterand the hot surface with which it contacts the spiral or helical ridges22 and 28, are formed to break the water stream up and give it a mixingand turning action.

When thewater in the reservoir has reached Y the upper limit of thetemperature for which the heater is set, the thermostat opens the maincircuit, thus shutting off the current supply. The action of the heateris thereby rendered entirely automatic and hot water of any desiredtemperature within the usual heater v range may be withdrawn through thepipe 21.

In order to simplify the assembly of the apparatus and also thereplacement of the parts such as the resistance elements, the chamber Bis made of suflicient size to permit the vitals of the heater unit to bedropped sufliciently to permit of ready access to its parts. Thus, whenit is desired to replace a resistance element the water need not bedrained off nor the water piping disconnected, it being merely necessaryto release the heated unit from the supporting head 28 by swingingholding latches 33 in the well understood manner and to drop the unitdown. The parts of the unit may then be replaced. Inasmuch as theelements 51 are held between the cups 49 and 50 by means of the springs46 the operation of replacing one of these elements is extremely simple.

In Figs. 5 and 6 is shown a modified form of the invention in which theshape of the heating pipes 280 as well as the position of the resistanceelements 510 with respect to the pipes is changed. The pipes are made ina flattened oval shape as shown and are turned over and expanded tosecure them at their upper ends. 280 to the plate 260 of the casing 220in water tight relation. The lower ends of the pipes 280 may beconnected to a manifold (not shown) in the manner similar to themanifold 27 shown in Fig. 1. The resistance elements are disposed at theapices of an equilateral triangle with respect to the tubes 280 and thefourth element is placed in the centre. The resistance elements areconnected in series between the plates 370 and 4:10 with the terminalsof the. current source in the same manner described above in connectionwith Figs. 1 and 3. The remaining structure of this modification may beidentical with the form described above and needs no furtherexplanation. The operation of this modified apparatusis also the same asthat described above. It is merely necessary to point out that by virtueof this modified construction, the structure of the circulating systemis simplified.

It will thus be seen that there is provided a device in which theseveral objects of this invention are achieved, and which is welladapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention,and as various changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth,it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in theaccompanying drawing is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent 1. A water heater comprising acasing forming areservoir for the water, a casing forming a chamber extending into saidreservoir, a head for said chamber mounted to extend exteriorly of saidreservoir, circulating pipes passing through said head and said chamber,and communicating with said reservoir, and heating means carried by saidhead adjacent to said pipes.

2. A water heater comprising a casing forming a reservoir for the water,a casing forming a chamber extending into said reservoir, said chambercasing being provided with a helical ridge extending lengthwise thereof,a head mounted on said tank exteriorly of said reservoir, circulatingpipes passing through said head and said chamber, and communicating withsaid reservoir, and heating means carried by said head adj acent to saidpipes.

3. A water heater comprising a casing forming a reservoir for the water,a casing extending into said reservoir, a head for said chamber mountedonsaid reservoir exteriorly of said reservoir, circulating pipes passing through said head and said chamber and communicating with saidreservoir, said pipes being formed with a helical ridge extendinglengthwise thereof.

4. A water heater comprising a casing having an upper and a lowercompartment, a casing forming a chamber extending into said uppercompartment and forming a water reservoir therewith, a head for saidchamber disposed in said lower compartment, means to conduct water fromsaid reservoir through said lower compartment, a pipe mounted in saidchamber and communicating with said means, and heating means carried bysaid head and disposed in said chamber parallel to said pipe.

5. A water heater comprising a casing, a plate dividing said casing intoan upper and a lower compartment, said plate being formed with a centralcircular aperture, a casing forming a chamber secured to said plate andextending upwardly through the aperture into said uppercompartment,-means detachably secured to said plate for conducting thewater from said upper compartment through said lower compartment andthrough said' chamber back to said upper compartment, and meansdemountably, secured in said chamber and surrounding said portion ofsaid first mentioned means to heat the water durin its passage throughthe latter.

6. 1% water heater comprising a casing, a plate dividing said easinginto an upper and a lower compartment, said plate having an aperturetherein, a easingl forming a chamber secured to said plate an extendingthrough said aperture into said upper compartment,

means detachably secured to said plate for conducting the water fromsaid upper compartment through said lower compartment and through saidchamber back to said upper compartment, a head secured to said plateabout said aperture and extending in said ment, whereby water may flowthrough said pipe line from said upper compartment, a pipe communicatingwith said line passing upwardly through said chamber and opening 1 intosaid upper compartment at the upper ends thereof, and means mountedwithin said chamber surrounding said pipe to heat the water; passingtherethrough.

8. A water heater comprising a casing, a

plate dividing said casing into anupper and a lower compartment, saidplate having a central circular aperture, a cylindrical casing forming achamber secured to said plate and extending upwardly into said uppercompartment, and a substantially U-shaped pipe line disposed within saidlower compartment and detachably connected to said upper compartment,whereby water may flow through said pipes from said uppercompartment,-'a

plurality of pipes communicating with said line, passingupwardly-through said chamber and opening into said reservoir at theupper ends thereof, a detachable head secured to saidplate around saidaperture and extendinto said lower compartment, and heatmg means carriedby said head surrounding said pipes. 9. A water heater comprising acasing, a

plate dividing said easing into an upper and a lower compartment, saidplate having acentral circular aperture, a cylindrical casing forming achamber secured to said plate and extending upwardly into said uppercompartment, a pipe line disposed within said lower vcompartment anddetachably connected to said upper compartment, whereby water may flowthrough said pipeline from said upper compartment, a pipe communicatingwith said line and passing upwardly through said chamber and openinginto said reservoir at their upper ends, a heating unit 'mounted in saidchamber, and a head secured to said plate, said unit being supported bysaid head for sliding movement lengthwise thereof, whereby the unit maybe repaired without disassembling the piping system.

10. In a water heater of the class described,

upper and a lower plate, stay bars holding u said plates in fixed spacedrelation, anintermediate insulating plate held by said stay bars, aplurality of spring members passing through said insulating plate, aplurality of resistance elements held between said upper and lowerplates by said members, and means for connecting said elements in anelectrical circuit.

11. In a water heater of the class described,

an electrical heating unit comprising an upper and a lower plate, staybars holding said plates in spaced relation, an insulating plateintermediate said upper and said lower plates, insulating tubes heldbetween said insulating plate and lower plate, plungers mounted throughsaid insulating plate and extending into said tubes, a spring in each ofsaid tubes pressing said plunger-s, resistance elements supportedbetween said plungers andsaid upper plate, and means to connect l 7 saidelements in an electrical circuit.

12. In a water heater of the class described, an electrical heating unitcomprising a pair of spaced plates, resistance elements removably heldbetween said plates, spring pressed supports at one end of each of saidelements whereby said supports may be depressed and the elementsremoved, and means to connect said elements in an electrical circuit.

13. A water heater of the character described comprising a reservoirhaving a chamber, a pipe extending through said chamber adapted tocirculate water through the reservoir, and a heating unit removablyfitted in said chamber surrounding said pipe.

14. A water heater of the character described comprising a reservoirhaving a chamber, a plurality of pipes in the chamber, the ends of saidpipes extending through the walls of the chamber adapted to circulatewater through the reservoir, bafiling means for deflecting the waterpassing from said pipe ends, and a heating unit removably fitted intosaid chamber between the walls of the latter and said pipes. a 15. In awater heater of the character described, an electrical heating unitcomprising resistance elements, means for holding said elementsparallelly spaced, and a water circulating pipe, said means including athrough passage for receiving said pipe, said unit being movable alongsaid pipe to facilitate repairs.

16. A water "heater of the character described comprising, a reservoirhaving a pipe inrsaid reservoir, and heating means in said chambersurrounding said pipe. In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.ROBERTL. SHRINER.

